Not all cataracts will need surgery. In numerous cases, cats and dogs with cataracts are not seriously impacted by the opacity on their eye, and their vision remains good. A veterinary opthalmologist will need to determine if a specific patient needs cataract surgery. This is typically only in cases where the cataract seriously affects your pet's vision.

If your pet has a serious cataract and surgery is recommended, it will greatly improve their quality of life. While cataract surgery is not life-saving, it does help to restore their vision. For a pet experiencing blindness, seeing their owner again, looking out the window, and playing with toys can be life-changing for the patient and their owner.

This proves even more true with pets with hearing issues, elderly pets, or those suffering from cognitive problems or dementia.

Dogs have two visible eyelids, and a third is usually hidden in the inner corner of the eye. This third eyelid contains a gland that generates tears. The gland is not typically visible, but in dogs with congenital weakness of the ligaments that keep it in place, it can shift out of its rightful spot and become visible. It will look similar to a 'cherry' at the eye's inner corner.

To remedy cherry eye, a vet will perform a simple surgery to attach the gland to its proper location.

Dogs whose eyelids roll inwards suffer pain each time they blink, because the hair is rubbing on the surface of the eye. This also results in increased tear production. This condition will eventually cause damage to a dog's cornea if left untreated.

Occasionally, Entropion will occur as a result of another condition and will resolve once the underlying issue is gone. In these scenarios, your vet can temporarily suture your pet's eyelids so they stay in a more natural position. In cases with permanent eyelid abnormalities, surgery may be needed.